Defense will argue insanity at trial for mom charged with stabbing infant

Amanda MarrazzoSpecial to the Tribune

As a judge this morning scheduled a trial next month for a Harvard woman charged with stabbing her 9-month-old son in the throat, the defense said a doctor will testify that she was insane at the time.

Claudia Mejia remains in custody on a $2 million bond. McHenry County Circuit Court Judge Sharon Prather scheduled her bench trial to begin on March 21.

Defense Attorney Wes Pribla said that Robert Meyer will take the stand to say that Mejia was insane, and "couldn't form requisite criminal mental intent" on the morning she stabbed her son. If Prather finds Mejia not guilty by reason of insanity, the mother could be turned over to the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Pribla said Mejia, who also has three older children and is an undocumented immigrant, still faces up to 30 years in the care of the department of human services — or until doctors at Elgin's Mental Health Facility determine that she has recovered.

If she’s found guilty of attempted murder, she faces up to 30 years in prison, he said.

Mejia's husband, Osvaldo Mejia, was in court today, but declined comment after the hearing.

He has previously said that his wife suffered from postpartum depression, and described her as a loving mother. He has maintained through the court proceedings that he wants her to return home to her family.